Art, culture & history images

The Tudors

Animals as pets were considered a great luxury during the 16th century, the royal family were known to house many, including exotic animals typically given as gifts to the monarch. Many Tudor families owned dogs. Greyhounds had symbolic value, as an occasional element of the Tudor Coat of Arms alongside the Tudor Rose, in addition to being great hunting partners. Dogs were sought after not only as companions but also to attract fleas away from their owners, and in the case of small lapdogs, keep ladies' legs warm during carriage rides. Of the more peculiar pets, many portraits depict monkeys (most notably the painting of  Catherine of Aragon, right). Monkeys were kept not only for affection but to train dogs for bear and bull baiting, a royal passion. Many portrait artists of the times placed animals into paintings as visual clues into the personality of the sitter. Monkeys were known to symbolize foolishness (although in Catherine's case that symbology might not be appropriate), whereas squirrels conveyed obedience and dogs symbolized fidelity.

Although dog paintings were not unusual, Victoria's love of dogs and her particular influence increased the popularity of both pet portraits and dog ownership tremendously during the 19th century. Wealthy and fashionable women owned dogs, lapdogs or 'toys' in particular, and took them everywhere. Many dogs lived as lavishly as their owners, some getting up to five thorough brushes and grooming sessions everyday, not to mention sleeping on satin cushions and even having access to a specially trained maid to dote on their every need. Among the most popular dog breeds during this time were Pomeranians, Yorkshire and Skye terriers (right), Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Japanese spaniels. Queen Victoria's love for animals extended to her public service, in which she served as the first patron of the RSPCA, an organization established in 1824 to "prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate the suffering of animals."